Semester Two Awards Ceremony

Jacob achieved the Principal's Honor Roll again this semester and yet he said he was going to try harder next year. Our little perfectionist. Many of Jacob's teachers were at the awards so we had the opportunity to chat with them and tell them what a wonderful job they are doing. 

The awards ceremony was held the same week the kids were back from their trips; Catalina for 7th grade and Santa Monica for 6th grade, so many of the awardees were absent.

Sometimes you have to sneak a picture of Jacob. We are very proud of his achievements.

This is what I will not miss of 7th grade, holes in the knees. Jacob has gone through 10 pairs of pants. If only they made Tough-skins in khaki. We are hoping that playing tag will go by the wayside in 8th grade as Jacob has turned it into a contact sport. Happy Summer!

Catalina

Jacob survived his trip to Emerald Bay, Catalina with his middle school. I would call the trip character building. He took a whopping 142 pictures but I have whittled it down to a few for you. I think he cherished his camera as it was the only "device" that he was allowed to bring.

The ferry boat ride over was a bumpy one. Jacob did not do well even with medication. 

Sleeping arrangements.

Eating arrangements.

Kayaking

Squid dissection day.

Poor squid.

Jacob said the water was very clear.

Campfire Night

The ride back was much smoother according to Jacob. He saw dolphins and a humpback whale on the trip back. Not a bad way to end a trip.

Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour in Puerto Vallarta

Our bus driver on the ride over; stick shift, wooden till and all.

Our starting point, Lazaro Cardenas park.

Our first tacos were filled with meat. Jacob ate one of these and we all liked them.

This green looking drink was good and refreshing made with chia seeds.

At XocoDivas Chocolate we tried cocoa nubs and truffles with chili. Jacob tried one of these too.

A rare posed picture with Jacob. Tacos El Cunado in which we ate taco asada.

Pier

The beach was crowded with very colorful umbrellas.

Typical Jacob picture.

Cevicheria El Guero. We tried ceviche Mahi-Mahi which I didn't care for but we all liked the smoked Marlin.

We ended at Sabor Azteca for Mexican candies but most had nuts and seeds so Jacob was not interested.

All in all an adventurous food tour and we were amazed at how much Jacob was willing to try until he ate a coconut shrimp and then he thought he was having an allergic reaction.  The tour which lasted over 3 hours was a bit too long.

Biking in Mazatlán

Our second stop was Mazatlán in which we took a bike tour of old town. Our guide Ulises was born and raised in Mazatlán and was very passionate about his city. He made a very good guide.

In this photo Jacob and I are listening to our guide Ulises.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Each of its 28 stained glass windows incorporates a Star of David which were installed in gratitude for the donation of construction funds by a wealthy Mazatlán Jewish family. 

"Awesome" profile photo.

Stats on the church.

Republic Square.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in the background.

Open air taxi back to the ship.

End of another fun day.

Kayaking in Cabo San Lucas

After a relaxing day at sea our first stop in Mexico was Cabo San Lucas. Jacob is now at the magic age of 12 so we were able to do some adventuring.

Getting set up for kayaking.

Jacob and Michael teamed up.  We paddled from the beach to the famous El Arco which you can see in this photo.

The bay was crowded with sea crafts of all types.

Since we were an odd number I teamed up with one of the instructors. Steven was from Costa Rica and a good partner despite the fact that we had to get the wayward members of the group who were not following the rules.

Our cruise ship in the background.

Jacob now consents to pictures only in profile.

Jacob calls these profile pictures the "awesome pictures".

Our instructors and a "pirate ship" by the cruise ship. Jacob is now up to snuff on kayaking which will be one of the activities on his upcoming school  trip to Catalina Island.